Facing elimination, the Toronto Maple Leafs had a controversial call go against them in Friday’s Game 6 against the Florida Panthers
Toronto trailed 2-1 in the second period, but it looked like they were able to tie up the game on a goal from Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly.
Maple Leafs’ players celebrated the timely goal as the home crowd erupted in Toronto. It would unfortunately be short-lived after a controversial decision by the referees.
The goal was waived off after it was determined that the puck crossed over the red line after the play was whistled dead.
NO GOAL! ❌
Morgan Rielly jams the puck on the net, but it is called no goal and confirmed after a video review by the Situation Room in Toronto. pic.twitter.com/zgoSte9fU7
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 13, 2023
Fans in attendance were instantly upset with the decision, throwing just about anything they could get their hands on onto the ice.
After the no goal call fans are chucking stuff onto the ice pic.twitter.com/j3uSlj9Quz
— Alex Baumgartner (@ABaumgartner91) May 13, 2023
Many around the hockey world shared their frustrations on social media, blasting the referees for prematurely waiving the whistle when the puck was clearly still moving around in the goalie’s grasp.
The official call on the ice is… NO GOAL.
Thoughts?
(📸: TNT) pic.twitter.com/WejqbMa1Oy
— BarDown (@BarDown) May 13, 2023
This looks like a good goal here. pic.twitter.com/vy9obVqOX2
— David Alter (@dalter) May 13, 2023
Fans were upset about the interference call on the goal last year.
This no goal call is 100% worse than that. What a joke.
— Fulton Reed (@FultonReed6) May 13, 2023
No. Goal.
And the crowd is not happy.
Still 2-1 Florida. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/Wlxxhc2bqe
— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) May 13, 2023
https://twitter.com/kohlsiemens/status/1657189985181679616
That is the worst no goal call I have seen in an extremely long time. No whistle blown. That puck was in the net. Maple Leafs goal.
Garbage calls like that ruin intense and exciting series. Fan throwing things on the ice, I don’t blame them.#StanleyCupPlayoffs
— Brandon Edmonston (@BJEdmonston) May 13, 2023
Just about every angle of the play clearly shows that the puck was behind the red line. That isn’t a debate. The refs decision to blow the whistle on this play when they did is what is certainly up for interpretation.
Given the extremely high stakes for the Maple Leafs in this game, you certainly have to feel for them after this controversial play.
